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Tuesday 3 September, 6.00 - 8.30pm, Denstone Village Hall, 12 Bell Concert in Denstone Village Hall.

An evening of entertainment with a pea and pie supper to commemorate the beginning of the Second World War.  

The Alton Handbell Ringers were asked to introduce handbells to the children at  Hollinsclough Primary Academy back in December 2018.

We were delighted to agree, and a project was devised which would consist of the whole school accessing 10 hours of tuition.

The first group consisted of the youngest children (including the Nursery aged children), who learned to play small colour coded bells. They were very good, learning about rhythm, tone and musical notation. We played simple tunes and chords.

The older children played two sets of belleplates, and read harder notation which involved counting and numbers…much as the AHR Handbell Team do.

Both groups achieved a lot, working hard and with enthusiasm.

We aimed towards the presentation of an Easter Service at Longnor Church, when children from the school in Longnor, parents and other villagers came to listen to the final production.

There was also one occasion when a larger team of Handbell Ringers visited to play to the children. I think they were impressed!

Each week, different members of the AHR Team went along to help, so many people were involved. I think however, that all would agree …team members, children and staff… that the project was useful and extremely enjoyable for us all. We hope that we have left a lasting legacy of the love of music and handbells with the pupils.

Lynne 23.7.19

Children’s views:

From: Principal <headteacher@hollinsclough.staffs.sch.uk>

Date: 16 July 2019 at 12:02:08 BST

Morning Wendy,

We asked the children who enjoyed the bell sessions, and all put their hands up.  Wish I could have bottled their response for you!

Comments included:

Oliver S -  ‘it was fun to take part and fascinating to hear about their jobs in the Church’.

Will R – ‘it would be great if all the family could join in too, and take part’.

Oliver R – ‘ it was really fun.’.

Indi – ‘I think it was inspiring.  It was generous of them to give up their time, wasn’t it?’

Charlie – ‘I enjoyed doing it and want them to come back’.

Mrs O (with Bethan agreeing) – ‘What was also great was that it was an alternative way of learning maths’.

Many, many thanks for all your hard work, it was very much appreciated by us all. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you in return.

Kind regards,

Janette Mountford-Lees

Alton Handbell Ringers present a cheque for £200 to Churnet Valley First Responders outside Alton Village Hall on Thursday 4 July.  Left to right: Sue R, Beryl, Wendy, First Responder, Sarah, Jean.

Photo by Alan Walters

What a lovely audience! Everyone in the Church Hall was very welcoming. As we began to play our opening music, “Celebration”, there was a “feel good” factor straight away. We were all determined to play everything with feeling and to the best of our ability together with good dynamics and no racing away!

Our peripheral vision was totally concentrated on Wendy”s wand!

The audience looked rapturous; that is, what little I could see of them without taking my eyes off the music.

My daughter, Lucy and my two grandchildren were in the audience, sitting on the front row. I was determined that, as a team, we gave a good impression. I even tried to smile a little as I played!

In some of the pieces Morgan, the youngest, looked mesmerised but I have to admit in some parts of the performance they both looked pretty tired and a little bored with the proceedings. Not to worry, the delicious tea and cakes cheered them up no end and gave them the boost to watch the second half!

During the half time break two ladies sang some solos and duets, accompanied by a talented pianist. My word they were very good, reaching some amazingly high notes! They were splendid and we could have a rest and a sit down to listen to some well known songs from the shows and operas.

Our second half began with “You Raise Me Up”, which was a good choice because we needed something to “ Raise us Up” after the tea and cakes! The audience too looked uplifted (excuse the pun), very good dynamics in this one.

There was a stillness in the Hall throughout our playing of the Polaris piece. We played it softly and carefully, almost holding our breath and it sounded magical. I think we could imagine the moving colours of the Northern Lights spreading across a vast sky.

In contrast to this the audience sang along heartily to “3 For the Road”and “Over the Rainbow”; no wrong notes or keys from the singers, at least!

Our Finale was the “ Vivaldi” arrangement which went down well. They all seemed have enjoyed themselves and so did we. The concert was rated a great success!

Jean Reilly 11.2.19

It was a packed house when I arrived at the cosy church hall with 3 minutes to spare. Luckily for me I had a front row seat with my two children as my mum was one of the bell ringers!

The bells, music and associated paraphernalia were laid out on sumptuous velvet, whilst the ringers were dressed in black with matching scarves; dapper bow-ties for the men! All looked very professional, from the tiniest bell my son tested out, to the largest, which wouldn't have looked out of place in a church tower!

The ringers began their first set, the melodious and mesmerising tones filling the sunlit hall. The pieces were varied and played to perfection, ranging from tunes from popular musicals to original compositions for handbells, capturing the beauty of the stars and the aurora. The concentration on the faces of the ringers was evident- timing is key!

Some amazing and original singing and accompanying keyboard marked the end of the first and beginning of the second halves, whilst the good- humoured audience were treated to tea and homemade cake.

The bell ringers commenced their second set with the same enthusiasm for their art as before- interspersed with engaging insights into the pieces and the surprising variety of methods of creating the beautiful sounds. A delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon; well done Wendy and the team!

Lucy Wilson 11.2.19